London bus drivers have been advised to accept a new offer of an Olympic bonus, following in the wake of last week's cancelled strike action over the issue. The Unite union has made the recommendation to its members following talks with London bus companies at the ACAS conciliation organisation.

Members of the union walked out last month after their calls for an Olympic bonus of £500 per worker were rejected. Bus drivers were threatening to strike again on July 24, just days before the Olympics opening ceremony. They will now vote on the new offer.

"We are pleased that the offer made by the employers will be recommended to the Unite membership. While talks were difficult and challenging for everyone involved over the six day period, negotiations were always constructive with both sides working hard to reach an agreement."

– John Woods, Acas Deputy Chief Conciliator

"Following a London-wide strike and days of intensive negotiations, we now have an offer which Unite is recommending to London's bus workers. By standing together, London's bus workers got 20 London bus operators around a single negotiating table. We believe the offer is a fair one that recognises the work bus workers will be doing to keep London moving during the Olympics.

"Details of the offer will be put to workers over the coming days with a recommendation to accept and workplace ballots will be held on Tuesday 17 July."

– Peter Kavanagh, Unite Regional Secretary

Union officials say they will release details of the offer that has been proposed, after their members' ballot has taken place.